Chelsea deny reports linking return of former manager Avram Grant

LONDON (REUTERS) - European champions Chelsea have denied British media reports linking former manager Avram Grant to an assistant role alongside interim coach Rafael Benitez at Stamford Bridge.

Newspaper reports suggested the club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich was second guessing his decision to bring in Spaniard Benitez after Roberto Di Matteo was sacked in late November.

Former Liverpool boss Benitez's first three games in charge have failed to yield A victory and Grant, who fell agonisingly close to winning the Champions League in 2008 when Chelsea lost to Manchester United on penalties, was linked as a possible consultant to help the Spaniard manage the squad.

"There is no truth in reports that Avram Grant will be returning to the club," a Chelsea spokeman said on Monday.